8 Sure-Fire Ways to Calm Your Pekingese’s Anxiety

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How To Conquer Your Pekingese’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety

If your Pekingese is experiencing anxiety, life can be miserable both for you and your pup. I myself spent 2 years battling extreme separation anxiety with my dog, and we successfully came out on the other side. In this article I’ll share some of the resources and strategies that worked for us.

There are many forms of anxiety that your Pekingese may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Pekingese’s might be:

• Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your Pekingese pacing, drooling, biting, or being destructive while you’re away.
• Sound anxiety – Fear of loud noises like thunder, fireworks, or a vacuum cleaner
• Travel anxiety – Fear of traveling in a moving vehicle, or fear of intimidating places like your vet’s office or a boarding kennel

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1. Experiment with Hemp Oil for Your Pekingese’s Anxiety

One of the tools I successfully used in treating my dog’s anxiety was hemp. While your results may vary, approximately 67% of the dog owners polled here claimed that hemp was ‘extremely effective’ or ‘somewhat effective’ in helping their dog’s anxiety.

In my experience, hemp helped my dog calm down enough to respond positively to the other training methods I was using to treat her anxiety. When choosing a hemp oil, always look for a certificate of analysis showing a pure and safe product. I’d also recommend a product with 0% THC.

If you’d rather not give an hemp oil tincture to your dog, there are also great full spectrum hemp treat options available for dogs on Amazon. 

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 2. Desensitize Your Pekingese to The Cause of Their Anxiety

A key strategy for treating your Pekingese’s anxiety is desensitizing them to the trigger of their fear. For example, my dog’s anxiety was triggered anytime I walked out the door to leave the house. For other dogs, the trigger might be you grabbing your keys or putting on your coat.

Begin by doing the trigger activity, but then immediately reversing it. For example, I would grab my keys and walk out the door. Then I’d come back 5 seconds later. I did this literally hundreds of times over a period of a week. Eventually, my dog was desensitized and bored by the behavior.

Related: Best Calming Treat for Dogs

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3. For Sound Anxiety, Trying Isolating Your Pekingese and Playing Loud Music

Many Pekingese’s that suffer from thunderstorm or fireworks anxiety experience relief in a smaller, more isolated room of the house where music can be played at a loud volume. A word of caution though, if your dog is also experiences separation anxiety leaving them alone in a room during may be counterproductive.

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4. Try Using a Compression Wrap (Available in Many Sizes and Will Fit Your Pekingese)

Many dogs are comforted by the feeling of compression across their body. One popular product many have found success with is the Thundershirt (available on Amazon and Chewy). The product applies gentle, calming pressure that is very reassuring to many pups. The company claims the product to be helpful for about 80% of the dogs who tried it. It can be used to help calm your Pekingese during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.

 

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5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Pekingese with Calming Herbs Like Chamomile, Passion Flower, Ginger Root or Valerian Root

Many calming supplements exist for dogs that are palatable for dogs, easy-to-feed, and can help quickly relieve your Pekingese stress and give a sense of safety and calm. Some supplements contain calming herbs like chamomile, passion flower, ginger root, and valerian root are a great option.

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6. Experiment with a Pheromone Diffuser for Your Pekingese

Canine pheromone diffusers mimic the calming pheromone that a mother dog emits while nursing her puppies. The diffuser can help many dogs feel calmer and more comfortable in stressful situations. The same company that makes the Thundershirt above also makes a product called ThunderEase diffuser, which is also available on Amazon and Chewy.

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7. Try an Anti-Anxiety Supplement Containing L-Tryptophan, L-Theanine or Melatonin

Other popular ingredients in anti-anxiety supplements include the amino acids L-Tryptophan and L-Theanine, both of which offer calming properties and increase the release of “feel good” serotonin in your dog’s body. In addition, some calming products for dogs contain a small amount of melatonin, which can help regulate and improve their sleep.

 

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8. Experiment with Using Your Own Scent & Sound to Calm Your Pekingese

In my experience, using your own scent and sound to help calm your dog is a powerful strategy in beating anxiety. I stumbled upon this one day with my own dog by accident.

Typically, if I left the home my dog would instantly enter a panic. But one day I needed to take a long phone call, and left my dog outside my bedroom door where I took the call. During the call, she calmly lied next to the door, where she could obviously smell and hear me. It occurred to me that I could possibly mimic this tactic while I wasn’t at home.

I recorded my voice on a CD player and then put it on loop. Then I placed a used t-shirt on the inside of the door where she could easily smell it underneath. To my surprise, I was able to leave the house for a short time. (I monitored her on a video camera). I slowly increased the length of time I left, and always found her calm and sincerely believing that I was just behind the door!

If you’d like to read the full story of how I cured my dog’s extreme separation anxiety, go here.

Another popular calming product is the heartbeat puppy toy. Traditionally, these have been used to help calm puppies who have recently left their litter. The plush toys come with a warming features as well as a simulated heartbeat. While originally intended for puppies, many dog owners have found they can effectively calm dogs of all ages. This popular model is available on Amazon. 

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Defeating your Pekingese anxiety is absolutely possible—though every dog’s path to calm will be unique. The tools and strategies above can help you get started, but sometimes our pups need an extra layer of support. That’s why at iHeartDogs, we trust gentle, vet-formulated supplements designed to ease stress without harsh medications.

For best results, you can pair the Cannanine Ultra-Premium Broad Spectrum hemp Oil with our Cannanine Bacon-Flavored hemp Calming Chews. Together, these two supplements deliver 10 active, naturally calming ingredients—including hemp, melatonin, and valerian root—to promote relaxation and support emotional balance. Whether it’s fireworks, separation stress, or everyday anxiety, this powerful duo can help your dog feel safe, secure, and comforted.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pekingese Anxiety

1. Why do Pekingese dogs suffer from anxiety?

Pekingese are companion dogs bred for close human interaction. They can develop anxiety when left alone, if their routine changes, or if they are not socialized properly. Their strong attachment to owners makes them more prone to separation anxiety.

2. What are common signs of anxiety in Pekingese?

Signs include excessive barking, pacing, destructive chewing, hiding, whining, trembling, aggression, or changes in eating habits. Some Pekingese may also exhibit clingy behavior when anxious.

3. How does exercise help reduce Pekingese anxiety?

Regular exercise helps release excess energy and stimulates the brain, reducing nervous behavior. Short walks, gentle play, and interactive toys can help keep your Pekingese calm and balanced.

4. Can training help calm an anxious Pekingese?

Yes, consistent positive reinforcement training builds confidence and reduces stress. Teaching simple commands like “sit” or “stay” provides mental stimulation and helps your dog feel more secure.

5. Are Pekingese prone to separation anxiety?

Yes, Pekingese thrive on companionship and dislike being left alone for long periods. Without proper training, they can develop separation anxiety, which may lead to destructive or clingy behaviors.

6. What role does diet play in calming anxiety?

A balanced diet with the right nutrients supports overall health and mood stability. Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and certain calming herbs may help reduce stress in anxious dogs.

7. Do calming treats or supplements work for Pekingese?

Calming treats with ingredients like chamomile, L-theanine, or CBD may help some dogs relax. However, always consult your veterinarian before introducing supplements to your Pekingese’s routine.

8. How does music therapy benefit anxious Pekingese?

Soothing music or white noise can reduce stress by masking outside sounds that trigger anxiety. Many owners find classical or specially designed dog-calming playlists effective.

9. Can massage help a Pekingese with anxiety?

Yes, gentle massage helps lower stress levels by promoting relaxation and improving circulation. Regular calming touch reassures your Pekingese and strengthens your bond.

10. Do Pekingese benefit from a consistent routine?

Absolutely. Dogs feel safer when they know what to expect. Feeding, walking, and playtimes on a set schedule help reduce anxiety by providing predictability.

11. Are pheromone diffusers effective for calming anxiety?

Pheromone diffusers mimic natural calming scents produced by mother dogs. Many Pekingese owners find them helpful in reducing stress and creating a relaxing environment.

12. Can crate training help with anxiety?

If introduced positively, a crate can become a safe haven for your Pekingese. It provides a secure space where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed, reducing anxiety triggers.

13. Should I seek professional help for my Pekingese’s anxiety?

If anxiety is severe or persistent, consulting a veterinarian or certified canine behaviorist is recommended. They can provide tailored strategies or medical support if needed.

14. How long does it take to see improvement in an anxious Pekingese?

Improvement varies depending on the cause and severity of anxiety. With consistent care and training, many owners notice positive changes within weeks, though long-term progress may take months.

15. Can Pekingese outgrow anxiety over time?

Some Pekingese may improve as they mature and adapt to routines, but others may need lifelong management. Providing consistent love, structure, and training helps minimize anxiety throughout their life.

Helping Your Pekingese Find Calm

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Pekingese, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Pekingese can overcome separation stress, noise phobias, or travel worries and return to their naturally happy, confident selves. Remember, every dog’s journey to calm will look different, so don’t be discouraged if progress feels slow. Even small steps forward are signs of healing. When combined with training and a loving routine, these solutions can make a world of difference in helping your Pekingese feel secure, relaxed, and ready to enjoy life by your side.

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